‘Clarke loss not a disaster’
Australia coach Darren Lehmann is confident that his side can win the World Cup next year, even if captain Michael Clarke is unavailable for selection because of injury.
Clarke’s future as leader of the Australian team is in doubt after his latest injury set-back which ruled out of the rest of the One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa.
Clarke injured his hamstring for the third time since August this year while batting against the Proteas in the first ODI of the series.
As a result, he is also in doubt for the first Test against India, which starts in Brisbane on December 4.
The veteran of 107 Test matches will continue to be assessed by specialists in Melbourne and Sydney days, but with the World Cup just three months away, another injury will put his participation in serious doubt.
"It's never easy when you're losing one of your best players, but that's part and parcel of sport these days," Lehmann said on Saturday ahead of the second ODI against South Africa in Perth.
"Players have got to be adaptable.
"We'd love him there.
"But you can (still) win every game you play (without him).
"With the 11 that go on the field, we have full faith in winning each and every game.
"It's a concern for Michael.
"He's frustrated, as you would be. But he's in good spirits trying to get it right."
In Clarke’s absence, George Bailey will lead the side, while Steve Smith is expected to come in for ‘Pup’ at the WACA.
Test and Cricketer of the Year Mitchell Johnson is confident that Bailey will be an able deputy, even if he has to lead the side at the World Cup too.
"George has done really well as a one-day captain, so he's as prepared as he can be if that happens," Johnson said.
"He quite enjoys it and we back him 100 per cent."
Latest
-
NewsGeorge Scrimshaw holds final-over nerves to guide Derbyshire past Lancashire
Scrimshaw successfully defended the 10 runs in the final over.
-
EnglandJonny Bairstow and England looking to ‘take the game forward’
Bairstow hit a run-a-ball hundred for the second Test in succession as England fought back spectacularly against New Zealand.
-
EnglandJonny Bairstow century leads thrilling England fightback at Headingley
The Yorkshireman made 130 not out and put on 209 with debutant Jamie Overton to rescue his side from 55 for six against New Zealand.
-
EnglandEngland top order left in tatters as New Zealand gain upper hand at Headingley
The hosts were 93 for six in reply to New Zealand’s 329 all out.
-
New ZealandDaryl Mitchell breaks record with another century against England
Mitchell broke Martin Donnelly’s New Zealand tally of 492 runs in a series in England, set back in 1949.
-
EnglandSuperb James Vince ton leads Hampshire to shock win over Somerset
Sussex’s five-match losing streak came to an end with a 17-run win over Surrey.
-
EnglandAdil Rashid to miss England’s India white-ball series to make Mecca pilgrimage
Rashid has found it difficult to make the pilgrimage due to timings and commitments.
-
EnglandJack Leach pleased with good luck but admits freak dismissal no collector’s item
New Zealand closed the opening day of the final Test against England on 225 for five after Henry Nicholls was dismissed in bizarre fashion.
-
EnglandStuart Broad stars on day one for England but error of judgement proves costly
Broad kept a week of celebrations going strong by striking before a run had been added and followed with the key scalp of Kane Williamson.
-
EnglandMatthew Mott expects England whitewash to ‘light fire’ under captain Eoin Morgan
Mott made an ideal start in his new role with a 3-0 one-day clean sweep of the Netherlands.